The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued a firm reassurance to all social grant beneficiaries that no payments have been suspended or halted during the ongoing social grant review process.
This announcement comes amid concerns and rumours circulating among the public regarding the continuity of social grant payments.

Addressing the media on Monday, SASSA CEO Themba Matlou emphasized that all valid and approved social grants remain active and that payments continue to be processed without interruption.
He stated clearly, “Any beneficiary with an active and valid grant remains entitled to receive their payment.”

SASSA’s role is critical in the South African social welfare system.
The agency derives its mandate from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the SASSA Act, which tasks it with administering, managing, and disbursing social grants to eligible beneficiaries.

Regular reviews of social grant recipients are a statutory requirement under Regulation 30 of the Social Assistance Act.
These reviews ensure that every person receiving a social grant continues to meet the eligibility criteria based on their current circumstances.

Themba Matlou explained that Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act requires beneficiaries to notify SASSA of any material change in their circumstances, including financial or marital status, as soon as reasonably possible.
This obligation is also clearly stated in the approval letter each beneficiary receives upon grant approval.

In April 2025, SASSA announced its plans for the social grant reviews for the 2025/26 financial year.
The agency is conducting targeted reviews to ascertain the eligibility of beneficiaries for whom it has obtained information suggesting that their circumstances may have changed and that they may no longer qualify for a social grant.

To minimize disruption for beneficiaries undergoing review, SASSA has introduced a fourth payment date in its payment schedule.
Beneficiaries targeted for review are paid on this fourth day of the payment cycle, ensuring they receive their payment after the necessary review without affecting the general payment cycle for other beneficiaries.

Matlou highlighted that this strategy improves upon previous review rounds where beneficiaries only discovered they were under review when their payments were suspended.
At that point, it was often too late to reinstate payments for the month.

He reassured beneficiaries who have not received any notification and are receiving payments on the normal pay dates, between the 2nd and 5th of each month, that they do not need to contact SASSA.
Their grants remain valid and payments will continue as usual.

Addressing complaints about access to SASSA offices, the CEO acknowledged challenges experienced in June, where few beneficiaries came forward except in some offices in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.
However, he noted a significant increase in beneficiary visits in July.

SASSA is closely monitoring the number of visits and will adjust its operational plans accordingly to maintain service delivery within the agency’s capacity.

The review process serves several important purposes beyond confirming eligibility.
It helps identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to changes in their financial, medical, or legal circumstances.

Additionally, the reviews function as a confirmation of life or existence.
This ensures that grants are not paid out to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating their records.

SASSA also uses the review process to detect and prevent cases where individuals continue receiving grants despite being listed on payroll systems of other entities, including public or private employers.

Themba Matlou stressed that these measures are essential to safeguard the integrity of the social assistance system.
They ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive support, thereby preventing fraud and misuse of public funds.

“SASSA is undertaking the social grants review process for the better good of the government fiscus, thus ensuring that grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries and all the fraudulent elements are rooted out,” Matlou said.

Brenton Van Vrede, SASSA’s Executive Manager for Grants Administration, clarified that the reviews are not targeting the most vulnerable beneficiaries.
Instead, the focus is on those who have multiple sources of income and may no longer meet the criteria for social assistance.

He explained, “If the mother of the child receives child maintenance from the father or an Older Person’s Grant beneficiary receives some sort of support from their child or children, it is unlikely to lead to grant suspension.
If so, they will need to alert SASSA for assessment.”

This nuanced approach reflects SASSA’s commitment to fairness and its understanding of the complex financial realities faced by many South African families.

Social grants remain a vital lifeline for millions of South Africans.
They provide essential support for vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, people with disabilities, and those living with chronic illnesses.

The continuity of social grant payments is crucial for maintaining the dignity and well-being of beneficiaries.
Any disruption can have severe consequences, especially for those who rely solely on these funds for basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

SASSA’s efforts to conduct thorough reviews while ensuring uninterrupted payments demonstrate the agency’s balancing act between fiscal responsibility and social protection.

The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected fraud or irregularities related to social grants.
Community involvement plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the social assistance system.

Beneficiaries who experience difficulties or have questions about their grants are advised to contact SASSA through official channels.
This includes visiting local offices, calling the SASSA toll-free helpline, or using digital platforms where available.

SASSA’s communication strategy includes regular updates via newsletters, social media, and partnerships with community organizations.
These efforts aim to keep beneficiaries informed and engaged throughout the review process.

The agency also recognizes the importance of accessibility and is working to improve service delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas.

In conclusion, SASSA’s reassurance that no social grant payments have been suspended during the ongoing review process provides much-needed relief to beneficiaries.
The agency’s transparent communication and targeted review approach reflect its dedication to protecting vulnerable South Africans while ensuring responsible management of public funds.

As the review process continues, beneficiaries are urged to comply with their obligations to report changes in circumstances promptly.
This cooperation is essential for the system to function effectively and fairly.

For more information or to share your experiences, you can leave a comment below or send a WhatsApp message to 060 011 0211.
Stay updated by subscribing to trusted news sources and following SASSA’s official channels on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter (X), and Bluesky.

Social grants remain a cornerstone of South Africa’s social safety net.
With continued vigilance, transparency, and community support, SASSA aims to uphold this vital service for generations to come.